Basic Instructions for Crocheting an Oval ShapeStarting chain: Chain 22.Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in back loop only of next 20 ch; 3 sc in last ch, turn sideways and continue along other side of the foundation ch, sc in remaining loop of ea of next 20 ch, 2 sc in first ch of this rnd, sl st to first sc. Turn.Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, 2 sc in ea of next 2 sc, sc in ea of next 20 sc, 2 sc in ea of next 3 sc, sc in ea of next 20 sc, join with a sl st to first ch. Turn.Rnd 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 21 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 20 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.Rnd 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 2 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) twice, sc in ea of next 20 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 1 sc in ea of next 20 sc, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.Rnd 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 21 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 21 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.Rnd 6: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 4 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) twice, sc in ea of next 20 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) 3 times, 1 sc in ea of next 19 sc, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.Rnd 7: Ch 1, 1 sc in same place as sl st, sc in ea of next 22 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) 3 times, sc in ea of next 21 sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc) twice, join with sl st to first ch. Turn.Remaining Rnds: Continue in this manner, increasing 3 stitches around the curve on each round by placing one more stitch between each increase on each additional round (6 increases total per round).For size rug you want: Keep adding rounds until you have the width and length you desire.

Your increases don't have to be all in the same area; the important thing is to end up with 3 increases around each curve.

Varying the places where you do the increases: For example, if you are on a round where you would be putting 7 stitches in between each increase, you can vary the stitches in between the increases so that your increases won't be all lined up in the same place, like so: instead of 7 sc between increases on that round, do 5, 11, 5. In other words (sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 11 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 5 sc). Or instead of 7 sc between increases on that round, do 6, 9, 6. In other words (sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 6 sc). You can vary it any way you want. (Whatever number you subtract from the first or third number, add that to the center number.)

You will actually end up with a more nicely rounded curve on the oval when varying the places where you do increases on the curve as opposed to all the increases being lined up in the same area.

To avoid "stepped" appearance when changing colors: each time you are introducing a new roll of fabric strips, do this: instead of completing the last sc of the old fabric, leave two loops on the hook and draw the new fabric through the two loops of the old fabric to complete that sc. Continue, crocheting over the two ends of fabric to tuck them in.

You can, of course, use these same instructions to make a rug made from fabric strips that are narrower or wider than 1/2 inch. (Adjust hook size used accordingly.) If you use narrower strips, the rug will be smaller with same number of rounds crocheted; if you use wider strips, the rug will be larger with same number of rounds crocheted.

You can make different size ovals by adjusting your starting chain to be shorter or longer. You can follow these basic directions by substituting the number of your starting chain and the number of stitches you would be working along the straight sections accordingly. The increases on the end curves would still be done the same way.

You can use these same basic directions, with starting chain length of your choice, for crocheting ovals with thread or yarn to be used as placemats, bottoms for purses or anything else an oval would be used for.

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